Zoom along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, zipping past famous landmarks as you go, during this exhilarating speedboat ride in Chicago. Climb aboard your 2,000-horsepower speed boat at Navy Pier, then hang on for the ride of a lifetime, as you zip past famous attractions like the Willis Tower, Grant Park, and Buckingham Fountain, pausing to learn a little about the history and architecture of the Windy City along the way.

Lake Michigan speedboat ride in Chicago
Enjoy incomparable views of Chicago's skyline and waterfront
Pause to learn about interesting lakefront landmarks, architecture, and history
Race along the lakefront and experience unique views of Willis Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and Grant Park

What's Included

30-minute lakefront speedboat ride
Informative and amusing descriptions of the world famous Chicago skyline
Unobstructed views of the beautiful Chicago skyline
All Fees and Taxes

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Boarding: Navy Pier. Parking: City Cruises does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. Local parking is available at 600 E Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 for our Navy Pier Departures. Alternative parking is available at 460 E. Illinois St. and 403 E. Grand Ave. (one block from Navy Pier).

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Take a thrilling speed boat tour of Chicago along the city's beautiful Lake Michigan, enjoying fantastic views of the city skyline and its many tourist landmarks along the way. This fast-paced speedboat ride is sure to get your heart racing, with a little history, humor, and information thrown in food good measure.

Start your ride at Navy Pier, heading out onto scenic Lake Michigan as you listen to a few anecdotes about the Pier and the impressive Lake Michigan. Then pump up the music and listen to the engines roar as your 2,000-horsepower vessel zips along the lake for an adrenaline-pumping tour of the city. Zoom down to Chicago's Museum Campus, where you stop for a few minutes to get a quick history lesson and learn about Windy City's many landmarks.

Then crank up the throttle again as you streak back past Navy Pier towards the Magnificent Mile, catching great views of Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain and the Willis Tower as you cruise. Return to the dock at Navy Pier to finish your action-packed speedboat trip.

City Cruises Chicago Navy Pier

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Grant Park

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Navy Pier

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Buckingham Fountain

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Magnificent Mile

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Wheelchair accessible
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Infants must sit on laps
Coast Guard regulations require a photo ID for each guest to board

All cruises are weather permitting
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
NOTE: Please arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes prior the start time (7:30 AM).
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:Where is the departure point for the 30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride?

A:The 30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride departs from Navy Pier: 600 E Grand Ave Chicago, IL 60611.

Apr 2021

Q:Is there parking near the departure point for the 30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride?

A:Local Parking is available at 600 E Grand Ave. Alternative parking is available at 460 E. Illinois St. and 403 E. Grand Ave. (one block from Navy Pier.) There may be a fee for parking.

Apr 2021

Q:Are there any restrictions for the 30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride?

A:This ride is not recommended for guests with conditions related to the neck or back or that may be pregnant.

Apr 2021

Q:Are there any age restrictions on the 30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride?

A:There are no age restrictions, however children under 12 years old require an accompanying adult. Infants under 3 years old go free as lap children.

Apr 2021

Q:How should I dress for the 30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride?

A:Casual attire is appropriate.

Apr 2021

Q:How often are the departures for the 30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride?

A:Speedboat rides depart every hour from 11 AM - 8 PM

Apr 2021

Q:How early should I check in for the 30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride?

A:Boarding time is 30 minutes prior to departure.

Apr 2021

Q:Are there life jackets available onboard the 30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride?

A:Each vessel is 100% U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada certified with life preservers and all required lifesaving equipment, including child life vests.

Apr 2021

Q:What happens in case of bad weather during the 30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride?

A:Cruises sail rain or shine. In the case of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard or Transport Canada, you will be given the option to reschedule or cancel with a full refund.

Apr 2021

Q:Will I get seasick during the 30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride?

A:Most guests experience no discomfort at all as we do not leave the calm waters of the harbor. If you tend to have a problem with motion sickness, you may wish to bring Dramamine or other seasickness medication.

Apr 2021

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.0

261 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 261 reviews

Amazing and the sites were beautiful

James_C, Oct 2023

The most memorable part was seeing the south part of downtown Chicago on the ride. It was so beautiful to see

Don’t think about it! Do it!

Paige_F, Sep 2023

The tour guides Skunk & crew were just fantastic! They were involved, fun and made the ride that much more enjoyable! Loved being out on the water like that! It was fun and an excellent time!!!

Ride canceled

Ayla_Y, Sep 2023

I didn't even get to go because I was the only rider for the slot. And I left the next morning since I don't live in Chicago. Was told 20 minutes after load up time while I stood and waited from 7:45p-8:20p

I feel the need for speed

Mandy_H, Sep 2023

Speed of boat was amazing Just shocked that dogs were allowed on boat Being someone who is afraid of them not best pleased Thankfully not a full boat so could sat far away from dogs and owners

All around great fun ride - and Skunk’s the best

Ken_D, Sep 2023

Skunk was an excellent host! The lake was beautiful. The skyline views were amazing. Everything was clean, safe and enjoyable. Thanks!!

extraordinary

Jerson_A, Sep 2023

It was great and we had a lot of fun and we had a great experience it is an attraction that we would repeat

The fantsy

Devonte_M, Sep 2023

Best speed boat ride in city for tourists really enjoyed my self .will say the best part is flying three Lake Michigan.

Just a fun experience. ...

Mary_V, Aug 2023

Just a fun experience. Do this ride every time I visit Chicago. The crew was wonderful. Skunk was very entertaining 😁

Exhilarating ride

Debarshi_D, Aug 2023

Awesome speedy adventure on Lake Michigan. Crew was good and entertaining. Secure and safe boat for all ages.

Fun & not a hassle to be part of.

Jocelyn_S, Aug 2023

The experience was all around fantastic. Easy check in, the line to board was not unbearably long, the staff laid back yet attentive and the experience was just the right amount of time and tour we desired.

Fun boat ride

julia_r, Aug 2023

The staff was great skunk was a great and fun announcer the only things is for picture taking I would have preferred a picture of the sea dog instead of the skyscraper I was there for the boat ride but just a suggestion

Amazing

Maria_B, Aug 2023

It was really fun, the boat goes a lot faster that you think and it does some cool sharp turns in the water. Id recommend 7pm ride because of the sunset.

Can’t miss experience

Stacey_W, Aug 2023

Gio led a great tour - very informative and so much fun! The sights were amazing! The ride was smooth. We sat halfway back and only got sprayed a couple of times. Highly recommend!

Awesome excursion

JuliaG, Aug 2023

Me & my family really enjoyed the speedboat tour. Super fun definitely will book again next time we visit Chicago

Not good

Purity_W, Aug 2023

The company failed to refund the total amount despite the bad weather.They wanted us to reschedule and yet we were visiting.

My trip was canceled due...

Renee_R, Aug 2023

My trip was canceled due to the weather. I am from another state and the company canceled my experience and is refusing to issue me a refund.

Perfect Family Boat Outing

Taylor_M, Aug 2023

Buying tickets online with Viator was SO much cheaper!!! If we bought tickets at Navy Pier, it would’ve been about $50 more than with Viator. All we had to do was check in at the boat, and there were no issues finding my order!

Short and sweet speed boat trip!!

Victoria_N, Jul 2023

We have done boat trips in Chicago and wanted to try something different and shorter in time. This was exactly what we were looking for. Fast!

Nice ride on Lake Michigan

Robert_G, Jul 2023

Great experience on the Lake. I would say, charge more and make it longer out on the water. 30 minutes is not enough. By the time you leave and get the overview in middle of Lake, it's time to get back.

Exciting Ride!

Eric_S, Jul 2023

Fantastic time!!! Staff was great! The boat was well maintained and sites we saw were interesting. The guide gave us lots of great facts along with a fast speed boat ride!

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